A debate over Nigeria’s security strategy has emerged after Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi questioned why the Federal Government has not pursued dialogue with Boko Haram and bandits the same way it engaged the Niger Delta militants years ago.
Gumi argued that past administrations met directly with armed groups in the Niger Delta to reduce violence. However, he wondered why similar efforts have not been extended to insurgents operating in northern Nigeria despite years of insecurity.
The controversial cleric shared his views in a Facebook post on Saturday, reflecting on previous peace efforts undertaken by former Nigerian leaders.
According to Gumi, former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo personally visited militants in the Niger Delta creeks during efforts to restore peace in the oil-producing region.
He wrote:
“The former President Jonathan visited the Delta militants in the creeks, so also the former vice president Osinbajo. They all came up with a program to tame the militants.”
The cleric then questioned why government officials have not taken a similar step toward armed groups in the North.
He asked:
“Who is going to visit BH and Bandits to tame them without fools castigating them?”
Furthermore, Gumi suggested that fear of public criticism may discourage leaders from considering dialogue with insurgent groups.
Meanwhile, Gumi has consistently maintained that military action alone may not completely end the violence.
Instead, he has repeatedly argued that dialogue remains an important option for achieving lasting peace.
Over the years, the Islamic cleric has visited bandit camps in Zamfara State and other parts of the North-West.
Those visits generated mixed reactions across the country.
While some Nigerians viewed the meetings as an attempt to encourage peace, others criticized the engagements and questioned their impact.
However, Gumi has repeatedly denied supporting terrorism or criminal activities.
Rather, he insists his efforts are aimed at encouraging dialogue that could reduce bloodshed and create opportunities for rehabilitation.
However, the Federal Government has consistently combined military operations with other security measures to combat terrorism and banditry across several states.
Security agencies have also continued operations against criminal hideouts while implementing strategies aimed at restoring peace.
Meanwhile, no official response has been issued regarding Gumi’s latest remarks.
